Frederick Chopin, as a Man and Musician — Complete eBook

almost every German publisher, has issued one—­among
others there are Schuberth’s, edited by Alfred
Richter, Kahnt’s, edited by S. Jadassohn, and
Steingraber’s, edited by Ed. Mertke. [Footnote:
Among earlier editions I may mention the incomplete
OEuvres completes, forming Vols. 21-24 of the Bibliotheque
des Pianistes, published by Schonenberger (Paris,
1860).] Voluminous as the material for a critical
edition of Chopin’s works is, its inconclusiveness,
which constantly necessitates appeals to the individual
taste and judgment of the editor, precludes the possibility
of an edition that will satisfy all in all cases.
Chopin’s pupils, who reject the editing of their
master’s works by outsiders, do not accept even
the labours of those from among their midst.
These reasons have determined me not to criticise,
but simply to describe, the most notable editions.
In speaking of the disputes about the correctness
of the various editions, I cannot help remembering
a remark of Mendelssohn’s, of which Wenzel told
me. “Mendelssohn said on one occasion in
his naive manner: ’In Chopin’s music
one really does not know sometimes whether a thing
is right or wrong.’”

Chopin arrived in London, according to Mr. A.
J. Hipkins, on April 21, 1848.

[Footnote: The indebtedness of two writers
on Chopin to Mr. Hipkins has already been adverted
to in the Preface. But his vivid recollection
of Chopin’s visit to London in this year, and
of the qualities of his playing, has been found of
great value also in other published notices dealing
with this period. The present writer has to thank
Mr. Hipkins, apart from second-hand obligations, for
various suggestions, answers to inquiries, and reading
the proof-sheets of this chapter.]